10 Things to Do with Kids in the Winter

The ongoing struggle, right?  You’ve got kids, the weather isn’t the greatest, but boy do they have some energy!  What to do?  That’s not too expensive??  Without spending forever in the car???  We’re here to help.  Today’s post will share all the fun things to do in Knoxville with kids - bookmark and share with your friends – stay out of the doldrums together!

Many people don’t think of museums when they think kid-friendly, but the Knoxville Museum of Art is the perfect place to take your littles.  For starters, it’s free (Yay!), and it’s the perfect size to spend some time and introduce your child to galleries without feeling overwhelmed.  Kids will love the Thorne Rooms and the giant glass and steel sculpture by Richard Jolley called “Cycle of Life”.  They have a kids creative corner with an oversized lite-brite, mesmerizing stomp pads (not really sure how to describe these, you’re just going to have to see them yourself), and beautiful grounds with sculptures to explore if they still have energy to burn.

Winter is the perfect time to go Zoo Knoxville!  Many animals LOVE the cooler weather, so it’s an ideal time of year to bundle up and enjoy our furry friends.  Read this post about what to expect at Zoo Knoxville during the winter season!

Stick with the outdoors and find all kinds of fun at Ijams Nature Center. They host a variety of events for the 2-4 set, grade and middle schoolers, older kids 14 and up, and whole family activities for everyone to enjoy.  Examples of events hosted include Ijams Family Owl Prowls (Ages 6+), Winter Tree ID (Ages 12+), Full Moon Family Hike (Ages 6+), Ijams Hiking Club (Ages 18+). Be sure to check their calendar for the most up-to-date information and events!

The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (WBHOF) is another treasure right here in Knoxville – the only facility of its kind dedicated to the sport of women’s basketball.  Not only is this museum completely unique, you’ll have the chance to wear those kiddos out by a three-way court in the lower level.  Now that is a WIN!

The Muse is always fun for the kiddos no matter what time of year, but can be a total lifesaver during the winter.  They have exhibits for all kinds of STEAM focused play for toddlers and up.  Even grandparents are welcome to get in on the fun!  Explore their planetarium for a variety of scheduled programs, or just drop in and burn off that energy. 

Grade school kids to teenagers will have a blast at a Knoxville Ice Bears game.  Their nights are generally themed, with particular dates in their schedule perfect for a younger crowd.  A sampling of upcoming themes: February 16 is Peanuts Night, February 24 is Preds Night, and March 24 is Superhero Night/Kids Takeover. Let’s Go Ice Bears!

Speaking of Ice, why not take the kids ice skating?  Knoxville has two options:  the Ice Chalet is in Bearden (just west of downtown) and Cool Sports is further west (Farragut area).  Both have open skate times, so grab some hot cocoa and glide to your heart’s content!

And yet another free option for your little gal!  Enjoy hands-on exhibits and Girl Scout memorabilia at the Girl Scout Museum at Daisy’s Place  in West Knoxville.  There’s even a doll that has been in the Smithsonian Museums in Washington DC.  Don’t forget to purchase a patch to commemorate your experience!

Kids of all ages will love Knoxville’s downtown mural tour.  The younger ones can pose; get creative and have them make funny faces, jump in the air and take a shot, or let them surprise you!  The older ones will be too cool for school but you know they’ll secretly be more than happy to post their mural finds on Instagram – or Snapchat, TikTok, or whatever the kids are using these days!

As you can see there’s LOTS to do in Knoxville with the kiddos this winter.  For more free ideas, check out this blog post on just that – and enjoy our city in all the seasons!

Staying warm in the fall is easy with a cup of rich, hot chocolate. Marshmallows, chocolate syrup or whipped cream on top? Luckily, Knoxville has endless opportunities to build that perfect cup of goodness! Check out these coffee shops who seasonally offer the creamy cocoa. 

And no trip would be complete without a visit to the Sunsphere! This 26 story tall structure from the 1982 World's Fair boasts 24-karat gold windows and a beautiful 360-degree of downtown Knoxville, the University of Tennessee and the Tennessee River. As the leaves have fallen from the trees during this season, the view from the 4th floor observation deck has opened up and you can see clear to the Great Smoky Mountains!  And the darker fall sky allows you to catch a sunset and see Knoxville's holiday lights! Don't forget to take some pictures!

As you can see there’s LOTS to do in Knoxville with the kiddos this winter.  For more free ideas, check out this blog post on just that – and enjoy our city in all the seasons!